A North Pennines farm has scooped its second national award this year for commitment to the environment and conservation.

Maurice and Kath Toward, of Herdship Farm, Harwood-in-Teesdale, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, are among three prize-winners in the 2003 Farmcare Silver Lapwing Award. In July, the couple were the first winners of the David Arnold-Forster Trust award for managing their farm for business and wildlife.

They will go to London on November 25 to receive the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) prize and find out whether they have come first to win £1,000, second for £500 or third for £250.

"I'm quite overwhelmed - we never expected to get this far," said Mr Toward. "I see it as welcome recognition of the valuable conservation work being done by many hill farmers."

The couple carried out a number of conservation projects, including fencing off a rough grazing allotment which now attracts a large number of Black Grouse due to the improved vegetation structure.

Three years ago, they planted woodland including hawthorn, birch, rowan and juniper to provide additional bird habitat. New buildings on the farm are constructed using traditional materials, to blend in with the landscape.

Rachel Webster, of Tyne Tees FWAG, said: "Mr and Mrs Toward are very aware of the importance of their environment and manage the farm as a valuable wildlife resource as well as a commercial enterprise."